Local school earns Governors’ Achievement Award

Students, staff and guests at Prairie Creek Elementary School pose for a photo after the Spring Hill School District elementary earned the Governor’s Achievement award. Submitted photo

Each year, the Governor’s Achievement Awards are given to Kansas public schools that meet very challenging academic criteria. Only 42 out of more than 780 elementary schools were awarded this honor. In addition, 10 middle schools and 18 high schools qualified for the award in Kansas. This year, Prairie Creek Elementary School (PCES) was among this elite group. The school has now received the honor three times since the award program began in 2006.
“At Prairie Creek Elementary School, we have created an expectation and culture of excellence,” said PCES Principal Jody Cole. “Each day, our students and staff work diligently to achieve academic goals in a warm and positive environment that encourages personal growth.”
To receive this prestigious award, schools must be among the top 5 percent of Kansas schools in both reading and mathematics achievement on the 2013 State Assessments at the respective level and met one additional measure. For elementary schools and middle/junior high schools the additional measure is attendance.
On Jan. 27, Principal Cole along with PCES staff members were presented with the Governor’s Award plaque by Nels G. Anderson, president of the Spring Hill Board of Education, and Dr. Bart Goering, district superintendent. Students attended the surprise award ceremony, which wrapped up with an all-school picture.